IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
On-Mountain Emergency: 1-970-754-1911
Vail Ski Patrol: 1-970-754-4610
Vail Security: 1-970-754-3049
Uphill Access Info: 1-970-754-1023
HEADS UP, KNOW THE CODE. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You are responsible to prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride, and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
WARNING
Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities. In-bounds avalanches are included in the above inherent dangers and risks. Also, the Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.
The Mountain Safety Program
- Educating, enforcing, monitoring and providing positive reinforcement of the Skier Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act.
- Monitoring slow zones and high traffic areas across the resort.
- Increasing guest and employee awareness of safety initiatives through on-mountain and community-wide activities during National Safety Awareness Month and other designated dates through-out the season.
GO WITH THE FLOW
- Flapjack
- Lower Born Free
- Chair 14, Sourdough Express, Area
- Practice Parkway
- Bottom of Chair 2, the Avanti Express (lower Avanti and lower Lodgepole)
- Midvail
- Henry’s Hill
- Bottom of Game Creek Bowl
MORE SAFETY TIPS
By doing these three things every run, you'll be helping keep the slopes safe and enjoyable, for you and everyone else
High Altitude Environment: We’re 8,200 to 11,570 feet above sea level on Vail Mountain! That makes for world-class snow, but it also means that some visitors may experience flu-like symptoms triggered by high altitude. Symptoms may include: headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty breathing. Please make sure to allow your body time to adjust to the attitude especially if you are traveling from sea level. Drink plenty of water, eat and watch your alcohol intake. If symptoms persist or you have a concern about your health, please stop into one of Vail’s Ski Patrol outposts or call (970)-754-4610.
Drones: AERIAL DRONES- Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.
Accessibly for Individuals with Disabilities: For information about parking, restrooms and on-mountain wheelchairs, call our Mountain Information Center at 970.SKI.VAIL (754.8245).
Unmarked Obstacles: Be advised that Vail Mountain does not mark all potential obstacles or hazards. When marked, poles, flags, fencing, signage, padding or other forms of marking are used to inform the skier/rider of the location of a potential obstacle or hazard. These markers are no guarantee of your safety. It is part of your responsibility under the Your Responsibility Code and the Colorado Ski Safety Act to avoid all obstacles and hazards.
Colorado Ski Safety Act: The Colorado legislature, recognizing risks that are inherent in the sport, has passed the Colorado Ski Safety Act which provides inherent risks of the sport and relative responsibilities of the “skier” and the ski area. You must obey the Act. Under the Act, any person using the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier. A summary of the inherent risks is listed below:
Snowcats and Snowmobiles: CAUTION — Snowcats, snowmobiles and snowmaking, maybe encountered at any time.
Slow Zones: Certain areas (indicated on the map in yellow) are designated as SLOW ZONES. Please observe the posted slow areas by maintaining a speed no faster than the general flow of traffic. Space and speed are especially important in these areas. Fast and aggressive skiing will not be tolerated and may result in termination of your skiing/riding privileges.
Avalanche and Snow Safety: Avalanches may occur both inside and outside of the developed ski area at any time and are an inherent risk of the sport. When skiing in deep, unconsolidated snow, beware of the risk of deep snow immersion accidents and/or suffocation, particularly around the base of trees. Always ski with a partner, stay aware and observe all posted signs and warnings.
Closed Terrain: If a sign indicates that certain terrain is closed, do not ski in the closed terrain. Skiing in closed areas is against the law and may result in loss of resort privileges.
Sun Protection: With every 3,000’ increase in altitude, UV levels rise by 10% –12%. We recommend eye protection and Supergoop! Broad Spectrum suncare products to ensure protection from UV rays.
Protect Your Skiing and Riding: Your ticket or pass is non-transferable and may not be resold or used by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued. Report lost or stolen passes to resort staff or law enforcement immediately. Resort staff may ask you to show your pass or ticket at any time. Failure to show a valid pass or ticket or engaging in fraudulent behavior of any kind may result in loss of resort privileges and/ or criminal prosecution.
Marijuana Consumption: It is illegal to consume marijuana in public.
- MAKE A PLAN. Every time you use Freestyle Terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and takeoff will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
- LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. You are responsible for inspecting Freestyle Terrain before initial use and throughout the day. The features vary in size and change constantly due to snow conditions, weather, usage, grooming and time of day. Do not jump blindly. Use a spotter when necessary.
- EASY STYLE IT. Always ride or ski in control and within your ability level. Do not attempt Freestyle Terrain unless you have sufficient ability and experience to do so safely. You control the degree of difficulty you will encounter in using Freestyle Terrain, both on the ground and in the air.
- RESPECT GETS RESPECT. Respect Freestyle Terrain and others. Only one person on a feature at a time. Wait your turn and call your start. Always clear the landing area quickly. Respect all signs and do not enter Freestyle Terrain or use features when closed.
UPHILL ACCESS POLICY
Uphill Travel: Open for uphill on Simba out of Lionhead. Available only after hours, 4:30 to 8AM.
Cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers, etc are bound by Colorado Skier Safety Act, as amended, and should abide by Your Responsibility Code. Skiers must not impede or obstruct ski area operations at any time. When engaged in any of these activities one should:
Checklist for Uphill Travel:
- Call the Trails Hotline (970) 754-1023
- Uphill travel is permitted on designated routes from 30 minutes after the lifts close until 15 minutes before first chair.
- Wear reflective materials
- Stay towards the side of the trail
- Position yourself so that you are visible from above
- Wear brightly colored clothing
- Dogs are prohibited at all times
- Obey all pertinent signage
- Avoid all areas where machinery is operating
- Carry a light or headlamp
- Be aware that ski area emergency services are NOT available
WARNING
Under Colorado law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including: changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions; bare spots; rocks; stumps; trees; collisions with natural objects, man-made objects, or other skiers; variations in terrain; and the failure of skiers to ski within their own abilities.
The Ski Safety Act was amended in 2004 to include CLIFFS, EXTREME TERRAIN, JUMPS AND FREESTYLE TERRAIN as inherent dangers and risks of the sport.
Skiers and Riders should be advised that a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at Vail Ski Resort is not necessarily the same as a green circle, blue square, or black diamond trail at other resorts. The system is a relative rating of trails at each resort and does not compare trail difficulty between resorts. Skiers and Riders should begin with the easiest terrain and then move up in difficulty as their ability permits in order to understand the relative rating at Vail.
Summer Safety on Vail Mountain
Mountain Biking - Helmets and sturdy shoes with good tread are recommended at all times. Child carriers or tow-behind bikes are not permitted and all bikes must have two working hand brakes. All loose clothing, bags or packs should be firmly secured so they do not interfere with the bicycle’s moving parts. Mountain bikers must always yield to other non-motorized trail users. Should you encounter hikers or horses on any trail, you must yield the right-of-way. Ride on designated trails only and obey all posted signs and warnings. Failure to do so may result in lift ticket and/or pass revocation.